Cadiz Rundown

Commonly cast aside for more extravagant city targets in Spain, let alone in Andalusia, Cádiz is a compact throwback and much more than a Moorish gateway to Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Canary Islands.

The city of 130,000 has a singular history that took root in 1100 BC as a colony of Pheonicia. As the doyen of the Most Ancient European Towns Network then, Cadiz has ample reason to brag and exude a modicum of civic pride. A sprawl of impressive landmarks dot a small cityscape resonant with architectural diversity, from the Plaza de Mina to Catedral de Cádiz, Gran Teatro Falla to the unusual Pylons of Cadiz.

Come for the city Carnival and Cadiz unfurls a different side altogether. The annual springtime bash is a riot of revelry held in universal reverence in the country and, indeed, all over the continent as well. Carnival is the exuberant exclamation point of a cultural heritage very much on display throughout the rest of the year in what is a bona fide gem of southwest Spain.

Cadiz’s Top 10

10. Barrio del Pópulo, a remarkable new target of urban renewal, proves that Cadiz is not content to fixate on past glory.

5. Cadiz Cathedral is less opulent than others but is a fine archetype of baroque, rococo and neoclassical.

9. Plaza de San Antonio contains a lovely and colourful church.

4. Torre Tavira is the grand old watchtower of the city and sports a workable camera obscura.

8. Playa de la Victoria is the number one beach for visitors and locals alike.

3. Plaza de Topete brims with life and a wonderful Mercado Central.

7. Castillo de Santa Catalina is a late 16th century fortress with a vital civic museum inside.

2. Plaza de Mina is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

6. Gran Teatro Falla is the theatre of record in the city and a neo-Mudéjar marvel.

1. Museum of Cadiz has a major collection of fine art and a trove of priceless archaeological finds.

Enjoy a game of football courtesy of the Xerez CD at the Estadio Municipal de Chapín.

Witness the Sunshine Tour show jumping competition at the Dehesa Montenmedio between February and March.

Catch the Sunshine Tour dressage event at the Dehesa Montenmedio at the end of January or start of February.

Cadiz Events

The Cadiz Carnival is a phenomenal event with a worldwide reputation. The foremost fiesta takes place over two weeks every Lent.

Easter, predictably, is a major holiday in the city.

Consult the monthly programme of the Gran Teatro for a list of musical events.

Cadiz has a desirable peninsula coastline. For a memorable beach experience, discover Playa de la Caleta, Playa de la Victoria and Playa de Santa Maria del Mar, to name just a few.

When To Go

Carnival is the best time to visit Cadiz, so target Ash Wednesday as a date if the holiday schedule permits.

The city enjoys a mild climate on the whole, with very hot summers and winters that seldom see temperatures below 50°F (10°C). With 300 plus days of sunshine and minimal rain, even in January and December, the weather is most desirable in southwest Spain.

The busy tourist season from May to October is hot enough for beach time, with temperatures between 64°F (18°C) and 91°F (33°C) in July and August.

Getting Around

Jerez Airport is the primary gateway to Cadiz for those who choose to fly in, with service to and from the likes of Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Frankfurt, London and Paris.

Seville is also a popular platform to the city, most notably by rail. Of course, a solid highway network links Cadiz with Seville, Malaga, Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and even Lisbon.

Cadiz is not a big city area-wise and is amenable to pedestrians. A small public bus network helps, however.

General Information

C&aacute;diz, the city and province in Spain of the same name, is one of those gem destinations travellers almost stumble upon by accident and rave about for years to come. Not that the city of 130,000 is under the radar mind you - nor the province as a whole. The fact is that in comparison to other areas in the tourist magnet that is Spain, it sometimes just seems that way.

Any way you slice it, C&aacute;diz the city is the oldest continuously inhabited community in the entire Iberian Peninsula. With that fact in mind, there's a lot of meat on the bone here, as it were. From a splendid historic quarter with attractive plazas to dozens of significant landmarks, the city's promenades are lined with priceless photo ops at every turn. In C&aacute;diz province, the sherry region and town of Jerez stands apart as a matchless destination for authentic culinary experiences and tours. With beaches galore, nearly one dozen national parks and the iconic Straits of Gibraltar, C&aacute;diz is a brilliant getaway in Spain.

Attractions & Activities

Attractions

C&aacute;diz Cathedral

Museum of C&aacute;diz

Falla Grand Theatre

Jerez

Straits of Gibraltar

San Francisco Church and Convent

La Caleta Beach

Activities

Natural Parks

Carnival of C&aacute;diz

Jerez Feria

Route of the Bull

Holy Week

Watersports

Restaurant & Nightlife

Restaurants

El Faro

La Mesa Redonda

Vento Pinto

El Bolero

Gait&aacute;n

Nightlife

Retro

El Hoyo

Flamenco

Woodstock

Nahu

Climate

C&aacute;diz has a warm temperate climate, typical of Mediterranean coastal regions in Spain. Of course, towns within the inner part of the province do not benefit as greatly from the sea breezes. The city of C&aacute;diz receives more than 300 days of sunshine a year.

Hotels in Cadiz

Recommended hotels

A modern tourist complex next to the Genoves Park and by the sea, the Parador has impressive views of the sea and the Bay of Cadiz. GeneralConference facilities are also available for people on... More

“

beautifully appointed room

Featuring all the modern day conveniences, the Spa Senator Hotel Cadiz is a well placed state-of-the-art hotel in the centre of Cadiz. GeneralGuests travelling on official matters can make use of... More

Offering pleasing accommodation and various facilities, Monte Puertatierra Hotel Cadiz caters to the needs of both business and leisure travellers. GeneralThis property also holds 5 function rooms... More

An ideal place in the city of Cadiz, this hotel offers a warm welcome, pleasant ambience and convenient facilities. GeneralThe onsite multifunctional and multipurpose rooms with capacities up to... More

“

Quiet area but close to centre

We originally booked this hotel with a view to spending most of our time in Cadiz during our week long stay. In the end we only went to Cadiz twice, using the fast ferry (€2.65 one way July 2014)....

Combining comfort and functionality in a modern design, Barcelo Cadiz Hotel makes for an ideal base for business and leisure travellers while in this Andalusian city. This hotel in Cadiz offers... More

Offering spectacular amenities, pleasant ambience and a warm welcome, the Duque de Najera Hotel is an ideal to stay while at Rota. GeneralWith it's magnificent meeting facilities, the Hotel Duque... More

This traditional style hotel is located in the historic center of El Puerto de Santa Maria, on the bank of the river Guadalete.
The hotel has 101 spacious roooms, all of them with Wi-Fi connection,... More

Prices reflect the lowest "base rate" found over the next 30 days. Rates are subject to change and may not include taxes and fees, hotel service charges, extra person charges, or incidentals, such as room service. Converted rates are provided for your convenience. They are based on today's exchange rate, but the hotel will charge you in the local currency. Taxes may be payable in addition.